A Silent Mask

by ShutDaFicUp

Lincoln becomes a mute and wears a mask for years due to Christina nasty lie. Now an outcast from school and home, will he ever be back to normal or will he live the rest of his life behind a mask? First Fanfic so constructive criticism is more than welcome.

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Sausage Link

The Loud sisters couldn't help but marvel at the bond Lincoln and Girl Jordan shared. Lucy, in her ever-monotonous voice, said, "Christina wasn't kidding, you and Lincoln are inseparable."

Lisa, always the rational thinker, added, "Indeed. The emotional intelligence you both exhibit is quite remarkable for adolescents."

Lynn Jr. admired how caring Lincoln could be. Even when it wasn't directed towards them, she couldn't help but fathom why Lincoln never mentioned this. "Amazing, Girl Jordan. Lincoln never went into detail about how deep your friendship truly is. He only explained that you were just a friend in class."

Clyde, also having little knowledge of the depth of their relationship, asked, "Yeah, Girl Jordan, you consider Lincoln your best friend. Even he never told me this. It was after your little "tantrum" I began to catch on."

Girl Jordan took a sip of her coffee, her gaze steady. "Don't blame Lincoln for keeping you guys in the dark. Ever since our estrangement, most people assumed we were friends only by classmates' standards. Only my friend group was aware of our close bond. Given how friendly I was to everybody, it was based on the fact that we were simply just that."

"Okay, fair enough, but that doesn't explain the one-on-one time you mentioned," Clyde said, pondering.

"Oh, that's simple really. As my friends' involvement in Lincoln's life grew, we thought it was best to keep this secret from everyone."

"Including us?" Lynn Jr. asked, her voice wavering with disappointment. She crossed her arms and looked away, unable to hide the sting of being left out.

Girl Jordan nodded, "I'm afraid so. Lincoln was adamant about not telling his sisters. He said something about how you guys were always meddling in his business, making things worse than they are."

Lincoln's sisters understood why he might keep parts of his personal life to himself. However, the realization still stung, serving as another reminder of his reluctance to open up to them. This perceived lack of trust weighed heavily on their hearts, leaving them to grapple with feelings of hurt and exclusion.

For Christina, she tried to make sense of Girl Jordan's story. "Wait a minute, if you knew Lincoln liked you, why did you let me ask him out?"

Girl Jordan avoided Christina's gaze, her eyes shifting away. She hesitated to answer, knowing where the conversation was heading. Christina noticed the evasive look. Her face softened into a frown. "You knew he would say no, didn't you?"

Girl Jordan shook her head, looking down. "Yes, I knew. But I was still defensive. I was afraid of losing Lincoln. Out of all the girls Lincoln met, I thought there was a chance he'd say yes to you."

Christina raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"

"Isn't it obvious? You're beautiful, Christina. To me, you were a real threat to Lincoln's heart."

Christina couldn't decide if she should feel offended or flattered. "So, even though Lincoln called you pretty, what stopped you from asking him out?"

"I made a promise to myself not to tell him my feelings, waiting for him to make the first move. But when you came along, I decided to take a gamble. If Lincoln said yes to you, I'd let him go. But if he said no, I'd ask him myself."

Girl Jordan's eyes darted away before meeting Christina's once more. "I wanted you to be happy, Christina. But more than anything, I wanted Lincoln to be happy. I realized I was being selfish; keeping him at a distance was what drove us apart in the first place. I was a hopeless romantic, waiting for him to take the initiative. But life isn't like the movies; you either take your chance or miss out."

"So when he said no to you, I saw my chance. Unfortunately, thanks to you crying rape, I lost my opportunity." Christina could hear the malice in her voice. Her brow furrowed at her past actions. All she could muster was shame as she spoke, "I'm sorry, Jordan. I ruined so many lives that day." She began to weave her tale, setting the stage for how it all began.

The gymnasium buzzed with the sounds of activity and laughter, a cacophony of youthful energy echoing off the polished wooden floors. In one corner, a group of boys played an intense game of dodgeball, their movements a blur of dodging, ducking, and throwing as they shouted playful taunts at each other. The sharp thwack of dodgeballs hitting the floor added a rhythmic undertone to the gym's symphony. Nearby, a cluster of girls giggled and chatted, taking advantage of the free period to catch up on the latest gossip while casually tossing a basketball back and forth.

Coach Pacowski, usually a figure of authority and discipline, sat on the sidelines with a resigned expression, his foot propped up on a bench. He occasionally winced, adjusting his position to alleviate the discomfort of his foot fungus. For once, he allowed the students a rare moment of unstructured freedom, their enthusiastic antics a testament to their appreciation.

In the bleachers, Lincoln and Girl Jordan sat close together, their heads bent in animated conversation. Lincoln's laugh rang out, a rich, warm sound that seemed to draw everyone's attention for a moment before they returned to their activities. Girl Jordan mirrored his smile in amusement. Every now and then, she playfully nudged his shoulder, and he responded by lightly tapping her knee. Their gestures were small but full of warmth, like the shared chuckle over a silly inside joke or the casual brush of hands as they talked.

Molly, standing next to Christina, hurled a dodgeball at the opposing team with more force than necessary, her irritation evident.

"Look at those two," Molly muttered, "Ever since Lincoln came to visit Jordan's house, they've been acting like we don't exist."

Rachel, dodging a ball with a grunt, nodded in agreement. "I hear that. It's like we're the third wheel on their date. Why bother doing group events when those two would rather talk to each other?"

Christina caught the ball with a swift motion, striking out Dirk and outing Lance. "Oh yeah, double out!" she exclaimed, pumping her fist in triumph. She then turned her attention to her friends. "Now hold up, I thought you guys wanted them to be an item. What's with the sudden change of heart?

Cookie chimed in, "It's not that we disapprove; we just don't want Jordan to be all about Lincoln. He's great and all, but we still need some girl time, you know?"

Christina cooed mockingly, "Aw, you guys miss Jordan."

Molly's voice rising defensively. "Don't patronize us, Christina. Our friend group is changing. What if we grow apart? What if Jordan spends more time with him and less with us?"

Christina rolled her eyes, brushing off the concern with a wave of her hand. "You're overthinking it, Molly. This is natural. Some boy-girl friendships grow deeper. Soon they might be dating and want time for themselves. But that doesn't mean they'll have less time for us."

Molly started fidgeting, her foot skipping back and forth, her hands clenching together behind her back. "Yeah, but why does it have to be Lincoln? I mean, he won't tend to us either."

Christina's eyes widened in surprise. "Woah, Molly, it sounds like you like Lincoln as well."

"I do not!" Molly stomped her foot adamantly. "Lincoln is just a friend. I just wish he could treat us like he does with Jordan," she said half-heartedly, her voice softening.

Rachel and Cookie exchanged surprised glances. They rarely saw Molly looking so down. Rachel asked, "No way, Molly, you like Lincoln too?"

Molly remained silent, folding her arms and turning away from them. With her head down, she muttered, "Yeah, I do. So what?"

Suddenly, four dodgeballs hit each of the girls, causing them to yelp in pain. "Ow, ow, ow, ow," they each exclaimed. They turned to glare at the boys who had struck them.

"Sorry, ladies, all's fair in love and war," said Chandler.

"Yeah, quit talking and get walking," added Trent.

Chandler took a glance at Christina. "Hey, Christina, how about we get to know each other better?"I'm pretty good with my balls, if you catch my drift."

Christina narrows her eyes, her expression turning icy. "Chandler, you really think you can handle me? Trust me, you don't know how rough your balls will get."

Chandler backed up nervously, "No harm in asking right?" He leaned into Trent's ear with a sly grin, "Now that's kinda of hot."

"Girls, I think I've had enough dodgeball for one day," Molly said, as she stormed off the basketball court. She sat on the bleachers across from Lincoln and Jordan, her head slumped forward, resting on her folded hands in her lap. Her posture radiated a mix of exhaustion and contemplation as she watched the scene unfold from a distance. Their distant laughter and chatter blended into the background, opposite to her mood of disappointment..

The rest of the girls sat next to Molly, trying their best to console her. Rachel placed a hand on her shoulder. "Molly, since when did you have a crush on Lincoln?" she asked gently.

She backfired a bit agitated, "Rachel, stop pretending you don't like him either. I saw the way you look at him in class."

Rachel flinched at her remark and removed her hand from Molly's shoulder. Her face turned somber as she admitted, "Who am I kidding? You're right, Molly. What's not to like about him?" She sat next to her, mirroring her posture.

Cookie scooted closer to them, not as upset, but feeling the sting too. "Who would've thought all four of us have a crush on the same guy?" The girls' eyes swiveled to her before gazing back at Girl Jordan and Lincoln. "Jordan is one lucky girl. It's best if we support her now. It will soften the pain if we accept it."

"So you're just going to lie in defeat, without telling him your feelings?" said Rachel.

"It's better than being in denial. Think about it, Jordan was the one who befriended Lincoln in the first place. She was always there for him. Compared to us, we kept him at arm's length, playfully ignorant to peer pressure like the rest of the kids."

Christina's curiosity grew, a new piece of evidence about Lincoln making her want to know more about their past. "Wait, there was a time you guys hated Lincoln? Why?"

Molly chimed in, "Because we were stupid kids, Christina. Lincoln was always ridiculed when we were young. Everyone would laugh and pick on him due to his white hair. We thought it would be social suicide to be friends with him."

Cookie continued, "We even threatened Jordan that we wouldn't hang out if she stayed with Lincoln. But she didn't care. She stuck by him to the end. At some point, we decided to give Lincoln a chance, and now we're here, wishing he'll give us a chance.

Christina watched her friends, moping around over a guy, and couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. She had witnessed the sting of popularity when you don't get the girl—or, in this case, the boy. Her gaze landed on Lincoln, and she struggled to understand the allure he held. To her, he seemed like a classic dork. He wore a plain orange polo shirt, which did nothing to enhance his appearance, and sported a clichéd comb-over that screamed "awkward." His buck teeth, complete with a chip in the middle, only added to her confusion. "Ew," she thought silently, unable to comprehend why anyone would be drawn to him.

Despite this, Lincoln had somehow attracted the attention of four girls, and Christina couldn't fathom why. Her eyes flicked back to her friends, their expressions laden with disappointment and longing. With a soft, understanding tone, she addressed them.

"You know, I don't see the appeal in Lincoln. He's not the ugliest of boys, but he's certainly not the most handsome either." She paused, her gaze wandering back to Lincoln, trying to find an answer in his unassuming demeanor. "To be honest, I would've treated him the same way if I were in your shoes. So, if his looks aren't what make him special, then what is it?"

Molly began, "For me, Lincoln treated me like I was truly a girl. Most guys don't bother with loud and rowdy types, but Lincoln really liked that about me. He said he enjoys my energetic nature because it reminds him of his sisters, Lynn and Lana. With me, he said, there's never a dull moment."

"As for me, I've always felt overshadowed by Jordan," Rachel said, her voice tinged with a mixture of resentment and sadness. "Everyone would talk about how nice she is, how she's always thinking of others before herself. "It gets really old when kids come up to me and ask, 'You're Girl Jordan's friend, right? What's your name again?' "But with Lincoln, it was different. He took the time to see me for who I am. I wasn't just some drop background character to him; I was Rachel, his friend."

"I may not feel as strongly about Lincoln as Rachel and Molly do, but I can definitely see why he's so admirable. Essentially, he's another Jordan. Those two go hand in hand because they learn to support each other, admire each other's strengths, and stick together no matter how tough things get. With those qualities, I think any girl would fall for him."

"Wow Cookie I never knew you were so insightful" said Christina.

Cookie sighs deeply, "Story of my life, Christina. Story of my life."

Christina pondered her friends' feelings, recalling what Girl Jordan had once said about Lincoln. "He sees the real you?" she muttered. The girls shifted their attention to Christina.

"I get it now," Christina continued. "I understand why you girls are so infatuated with him. He's genuine and honest. You can be your real self with him."

The more she observed him, the more she saw beyond his physical once plain orange polo shirt now seemed to highlight his approachable and laid-back nature. The comb-over, instead of looking awkward, now appeared as a charming quirk that added to his unique character. His smile was no longer just a display of imperfect teeth, but a beacon of warmth and sincerity. The image of Lincoln began to sparkle and dazzle in her mind.

"He is actually kinda dreamy now," she said, a goofy grin spreading across her face.

There was an instant "Whack!" as the ball hit Christina across the face. "Ah, Cookie! What the hell! We're not playing dodgeball anymore!"

Cookie replied, "This is for your own good, Christina. You were making googly eyes, and I had to snap you out of it. Otherwise, you'll be moping with us."

Christina sighed deeply, rubbing the sting from her face. "You're right, Cookie. There's no need for us to be chasing after Lincoln. I know how hurt you all are, but if you really love someone, you need to let them go. We should be happy for them and show our support."

The rest of the gang exchanged quick glances before turning back to Christina. Molly puffed out her chest and declared, "Cookie and Christina are right. I'm tired of feeling sorry for ourselves. We should go over there and congratulate them."

Rachel nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, let's do it! Let's tell them to become a couple already and let them know we'll support them."

Cookie raised a hand, a note of concern in her voice. "There's one problem, guys. You know how Jordan is. She's too scared to tell Lincoln how she feels, she'll just deny it.

Christina rubbed her chin in thought, then suddenly brightened with an idea. "What if we make Jordan have no choice but to confess?"

Cookie looked skeptical. "How do we do that?"

Christina's grin grew wider. "We get her jealous by flirting with Lincoln. If she thinks one of us might ask him out, she'll be forced to confess her feelings before any of us. Plus, I think it will help you girls work out some unresolved issues with Lincoln."

As the idea took shape, the girls began to see its potential.

Molly quickly got up and said, "I'm in!"

Cookie hesitantly said, "this might be a bad idea but . . ." she shrugs, "What the hell, this might be fun."

Rachel chimes in. "What are we waiting for, let's go."

The girls got up and made their way over to Girl Jordan and Lincoln. As they approached, Girl Jordan greeted them, "Oh hey, girls! How was dodgeball? We didn't see you finish."

Molly grinned, "Oh, we got creamed pretty quickly. We were hoping our star player could join and save the day, but she decided to play with Lincoln all by herself."

Girl Jordan, slightly offended, retorted, "Geez, Molly, do you have to rile me up about Lincoln again?"

"Who says I'm teasing you? What if I'm messing with him?" Molly said with a sly grin. With a swift motion, she scooted even closer, wrapping her arms around his. She pulled him gently but firmly into an embrace, her chin finding a resting place on his shoulder. Her lips hovered just inches from his ear, and her warm breath tickled his skin.

While Molly was busy with her playful antics, Rachel decided to join in. She wrapped one arm around Lincoln's other side, and wiggled her finger under his chin. "Liiincoooooln," she cooed, stretching his name in a flirtatious tone. "How come you're not spending time with us? Aren't we your friends too?" She said, while her lips curled into a playful pout.

Lincoln could only mutter, "Buh, buh, buh."

Cookie saw her chance to move in closer. She hovered over Lincoln from behind and with a swift yet gentle motion, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him into a loose embrace. "You're so mean Lincoln for ignoring us. Why does Jordan get to hog you all day?"

Caught between the three girls, Lincoln felt his face flush with a mix of confusion and surprise. His eyes darted from one girl to another, trying to make sense of what was happening. The warmth of their bodies pressed against his, making him acutely aware of the closeness. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, each beat echoing the frantic thoughts racing through his mind.

Girl Jordan couldn't believe it either. Her friends were all over Lincoln, behaving in ways she had never seen before. Were they getting back at her? Had they finally caught onto her scheme of keeping them away? She didn't know, but one thing was certain, she couldn't stand to see Lincoln with another girl.

Raising her voice, calm but stern, she demanded, "What is going on with you guys!? You're acting like he's your boyfriend all of a sudden!"

Molly mockingly said, "Well, is he your boyfriend? Because last time we checked, you said you were just friends."

Girl Jordan's tough exterior began to crumble, replaced by worry and defenselessness. "Yeah, we are, but look at Lincoln. You're making him uncomfortable. If he's your friend too, you should ask how he feels about this."

Rachel, with a flirtatious yet innocent tone, said, "Aw, Lincoln, we're sorry if we're making you uncomfortable. We'll stop if you want, but if you don't mind, we'll gladly continue."

Lincoln's eyes darted away from Rachel's gaze as he stammered, "Well, I uh, I uh . . ." He finally looked her in the eyes. She quivered her lips, giving him the old puppy-eye stare. He weakly whispered, "I don't mind."

Rachel couldn't help but blush at how adorable he was when nervous. She leaned in, nuzzling her cheek against his. "You're so cute when you're shy,"

Girl Jordan couldn't believe what she heard. Lincoln had just said he didn't mind the attention and all three girls had a hold on him. She clenched her fists, her right eye beginning to twitch rapidly, her muscles tensing with each passing second.

Christina, notice how rigid Girl Jordan's body is. She leans in her ear and with a mischievous voice, she whispers, "You know, Jordan, these girls have a thing for Lincoln. If you don't claim him now, they will surely take him away. Just look at Lincoln—he's thinking no, but his body's saying yes." She leaned in even closer. "Better yet, maybe I should join and be his friend too."

Girl Jordan had reached her boiling point. Her eyes clenched shut, the heat rising from her cheeks. She screamed at the top of her lungs, " THAT'S IT! YOU GIRLS ARE REALLY TESTING MY PATIENCE! WHY THE SUDDEN INTEREST IN LINCOLN! YOU'VE NEVER GAVE HIM THE TIME OF DAY, SO WHY BOTHER NOW. IS IT BECAUSE HE CAME BACK AFTER SO LONG! WELL GUESS WHAT! HE CAME TO ME TO HANG OUT, ME! SO STOP ACTING LIKE A BUNCH OF HORNY LITTLE SCHOOL GIRLS!

Girl Jordan's scream echoed through the gym, reverberating off the walls and catching everyone's attention. The entire class saw the spectacle unfolding before them—Lincoln surrounded by three girls, each vying for his attention.

The crowd began to murmur, whispers spreading like wildfire. Lincoln's friends and classmates couldn't help but comment on the situation.

Clyde, annoyed, said "Ah come on! First Ronnie Ann and now this! What am I doing wrong? What does he got that I don't?

Liam stunned, said, "Well I'll be. He really is the Girl Guru."

Zach rubbing his chin added, "So the rumors are true. Might as well make a Lincoln's fan club at this point.

Rusty with his arms crossed pouted. "Stupid Lincoln, there is only enough room for one Ladies Man and that's me. With all those girls on him you think he'll learn to share. Hmph!

Andrew, his voice filled with venom, said, "You set me up, Lincoln! You told me Girl Jordan likes Dutch Ovens. Well, I hope you like an American Wedgie, because I don't!"

Chandler's eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "You gotta be kidding me. Lincoln Lame is cool? Those girls are idiots to think so."

Trent, however, begged to differ. "I don't know, Chandler, I would love to be in his shoes right now,"

Richie nodded in agreement. "Maybe if we hang out with him, we could learn a thing or two."

Chloe, clearly impressed, remarked, "Wow, Lincoln is really something, isn't he? I mean, look at all the girls he's got around him. There's definitely something about him we're not seeing."

Penelope, sliding a strand of hair behind her ear, mused, "You know, maybe he might not be a bad egg daddy after all."

Emma giggled and added, "Seems like those girls want to be more than just friends with Lincoln. If Clyde had even half of Lincoln's charm, we'd be much closer than just friends."

Girl Jordan was panting, trying to catch her breath from her outburst. Her chest heaved with each labored inhalation, and her face was flushed with a mix of anger and frustration. She took a deep breath, trying to calm down. Gradually, the fire in her voice began to simmer.

With a steely resolve, she fixed her gaze on Lincoln. "And as for you, Lincoln," she began, her tone still sharp but now more controlled, "I expected more from you. All these girls giving you attention and you let it go to your head. They're not your girlfriends, so why treat them like they belong to you?" She crossed her arms over her chest in a gesture of disapproval.

Lincoln could see the storm brewing in Girl Jordan's eyes. The fiery intensity in her glare made it clear that this was no ordinary rant. She was serious, and he didn't want to poke the bear any further.

"Jordan," he began gently, his voice low and sincere. "They're not my girlfriends, they're my friends, just like you. Now, I'm not going to lie, the attention I'm getting, is kinda exciting. But remember the promise we made. We said we would never leave each other's side. So whatever they do, it won't change what we have."

The hardness in Girl Jordan's face began to dissipate. She rubbed her elbow awkwardly, her eyes downcast. "I'm sorry Lincoln. I overreacted. I keep forgetting how important our friendship really is. And Molly, Cookie, Rachel, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have lashed out at you guys. Can you forgive me?"

Cookie let out a soft smile as she released her grip on Lincoln. "Of course, Jordan. What are friends for? Sorry for being so abrasive with Lincoln."

Molly, looking heartbroken, reluctantly let go of Lincoln. Her eyes were downcast, and her voice was gloomy as she said, "Yeah, Jordan, we went a little overboard. We didn't mean to take it this far." She glanced up at Lincoln, her eyes lingering for a moment, reflecting her unspoken feelings.

Soon, Rachel released her hold on Lincoln too. "Lincoln, I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. It was very unladylike of me. And Jordan, I hope this doesn't change things between us. Lincoln is important to me, just as you are to him."

For Lincoln, it was heartwarming to see everyone getting along again. The subtle changes in everyone's expressions was well needed. In a sigh of relief, he said, "Well, now that everyone has calmed down, I think we should discuss what Jordan and I were talking about."

Girl Jordan agreed, "oh right. I've got some exciting news. My parents just had a new pool installed in our backyard. I'm planning to throw a pool party, and you all are the first to be invited!"

Rachel said, "Oh my gosh, a pool party? Count me in! This is exactly what we need. It's going to be epic!"

Molly added , "A new pool? I can't wait to cannonball off the diving board!

"This is going to be the best party ever! I'm already thinking about what swimsuit to wear." said Cookie.

Christina was taken aback by how quickly Lincoln had defused the situation. She had been hoping to provoke Girl Jordan into a confession, but instead, Lincoln's calm demeanor had not only thwarted her plan but also made the other girls reconsider their actions. She found herself at a crossroads—should she proceed with her scheme or step back from their relationship?

Despite the apparent resolution, Christina could still sense the lingering hurt among the girls. Seeing their pain, she made a decision: she, too, wanted to be "Lincoln's friend." With a sly grin on her face, Christina approached Lincoln. Her steps were slow and deliberate, her eyes locked onto his. "Lincoln I know you barely met me, but I feel kind of awkward around you and I was hoping to change that. She timidly asked "Would you also be my friend?"

Lincoln could see the genuine shyness in her demeanor. He smiled warmly and replied, "Of course, Christina. The more, the merrier."

Her smirk grew bolder, her eyes half-lidded with mischief. "Well, in that case, let me show you just how friendly I can be," she said, her voice taking on a playful edge. With a confident move, Christina spread Lincoln's legs apart and positioned herself right between them. It was a bold gesture that outdid the previous girls, leaving everyone in the gym with jaws dropped and speechless.

Girl Jordan's mouth hung wide open, her face a picture of shock and disbelief. Molly, Cookie, and Rachel shared the same stunned expression, unable to comprehend how Christina had taken things to another level.

Christina placed one hand on Lincoln's lap, her fingers lightly brushing against his thigh, and giggled softly. "Why is everybody so surprised? Aren't we all just showing him how much he means to us?" she teased, her voice dripping with playful challenge.

Lincoln was so embarrassed that he covered his rosy face, trying to find the words to speak. "Christina, aren't you being a little too friendly in all this?" he said, his voice muffled by his hands.

Christina leaned her body weight on him, resting her head on his right shoulder, her focus entirely on him. She gently caressed his face with her left hand, her touch soft and deliberate. She whispered in his ear, her breath warm against his skin. "Lincoln, I don't mind the attention I'm getting. You said the same thing with the other girls. Just say it again with me." She rephrased the words, emphasizing each one. "I . . . don't . . . mind."

Lincoln felt a surge of excitement elevating in his gym shorts. The stimulation from her body and touch was overwhelming. Her softness felt different, more mature compared to the other girls. Their touch had made him feel giddy and warm, but Christina was on another level. Her curves were more pronounced, her body more developed. Being a preteen, everyone goes through puberty at a different pace, and Christina's body was clearly more advanced than the average girl. He could definitely tell the difference.

With his thoughts running wild, the feeling is familiar yet different. It was as if another girl was on his mind. Then it hit him—there was. Girl Jordan. He couldn't deny it; Girl Jordan was just as attractive as Christina, maybe not as developed, but still beautiful in her own right. The same arousal he felt with Christina, he also experienced with Jordan. But there was more to it. He loved how she laughed when they were together, how soft and nurturing her voice could be. Whenever he's around her, he felt safe. Her presence dispelled any feelings of loneliness or abandonment.

The more he thought about it, the more he wished Girl Jordan had been the one sitting on his lap. He wondered why she was so upset though. Unless. . . she loved him too? "No way," he thought. She had told him before that she liked someone else. Or maybe she lied, just like he had. His mind swirled with possibilities. He wanted to ponder it further, but he needed to focus on the matter at hand.

In a shaky unstable voice he said, "I . . . do mind Christina, it bothers Jordan . . . so it bothers me."

Girl Jordan's face softens as she whispers "Lincoln." Her heart was moved when he mentioned her.

Christina took this chance to amp up the ante. She thought if Girl Jordan wasn't going to say it, maybe Lincoln will. "What's that Lincoln? I can't hear you? You need to speak louder?" She crosses one leg on top of the other. Lincoln was at his limit, the sudden shift of Christina movement aroused him. He was going to pitch a tent whether he likes it or not.

His voice grew louder "Christina you gotta stop! This is too much!"

Christina merely laughed, "Oh Lincoln, where's the fun in stopping now?"

Suddenly, she felt a poking sensation from her behind. It was hot and warm, the notion was getting to her sensitive area. Lincoln had enough, he grabbed Christina to stand up with him. But upon doing so, he unintentionally thrust behind her, jabbing her bottom lips just a bit. The fabric stops the penetration going any deeper.

Lincoln let out a quick loud gasp, "Ahhh!"

But that was nothing compared to Christina. The feeling of being stabbed down there let out a huge moan from her. "Ahhhhhhhh!" Her scream sounded kinky and hot.

If anyone was at a loss for words before, this just dialed it up to eleven. Every gaping jaw in the gym seemed to drop even further, as if pulled by an invisible force of astonishment. The sheer audacity of the moment had a ripple effect, amplifying the shock that swept through the crowd like a tidal wave.

Chandler stood frozen, his eyes wide and unblinking. His grip slackened, and the dodgeball slipped from his hands, hitting the floor with a muted thud that echoed through the silence. It bounced once, then twice, each bounce a stark reminder of the reality they were all witnessing, before it rolled away slowly, almost deliberately, coming to a stop by the bleachers.

Clyde, caught off guard by the sudden intensity of the scene, reached for his inhaler with shaking hands. He took a hurried puff, the hiss of the medication slicing through the silence like a lifeline, his eyes darting around in a mix of disbelief and need for breath.

Rusty, unable to process what he was seeing, stumbled backward. His legs gave way, and he fainted, crumpling to the floor in a heap. The sight of him lying there only added to the surreal atmosphere, as the shock continued to reverberate through the gym.

On the bleachers, some of the boys shifted uncomfortably. They fidgeted, lifting one leg over the other in a futile attempt to hide their growing excitement. Their faces were a mix of envy and admiration, caught between the thrill of the moment and their own internal struggles.

On the basketball court, several of the girls blushed profusely, their cheeks a vivid shade of red. The intimate nature of the scene was too much for them to handle. They exchanged glances, their eyes wide with a blend of shock and embarrassment, unable to fathom that Lincoln was capable of such an audacious act.

As for Christina, she was painting hard with a flush face. While Lincoln took two steps backwards on the bleacher as he sat down to hide his growing manhood. Keeping his distance from her and the rest of the girls. Molly, Cookie, Rachel, and Girl Jordan had nothing left in them to say anything. No arguing, no flirting, just utter silence.

However, A large shadow blanketed the group as a round figure of a man stepped in. With both arms firmly planted on his hips, he yelled in an authoritative voice, "Alright, I think I've seen enough!" Coach Patcowski declared. "Ladies, step away from the boy right now!" The girls jumped in surprise, they did as they were told without hesitation. "To think I gave you all a free period to do as you please, and this is what you plan? Have you no decency!?" The girls' shoulders slumped, their heads hanging low as they frowned in shame and guilt. Seeing the distress on their faces, Lincoln stepped forward.

"Coach Patcowski, don't blame any of them, they were just..."

"Zip it, Loud!" Coach Patcowski cut him off mid-sentence. "You're just as guilty as they are. Now, I want to see all of you after class. Except you, Miss Redhead. You need to head to the nurse."

Christina clasped her hands together, her face still flushed, though her breathing now steady. She said, "Uh, Coach, I'm fine. There really is no need for me to head to the nurse."

Coach Pacowski lifted his hat to scratch his head. He sighs, changing his tone, "Young lady, that scream was heard loud and clear by everyone, including me. I need to make sure you're okay. Nurse Patti will check you in, and I'll have Emma escort you."

Christina pleaded, "Coach, please, I swear I'm fine."

"I don't want to hear another word from you. If that didn't happen, you'd be joining the rest of them after class. Now, git."

Christina nodded her head down sadly. "Yes, sir,"

Turning his attention to the rest of the group, Coach Patcowski continued, "As for the rest of you, I want you to stand by the wall six feet apart. No talking, no laughing, no nothing."

The girls, looking defeated, responded in unison, "Yes, sir."

Lincoln chimed in, "Uh, Coach, do you think I could sit here by myself for now? I'm still feeling... 'eager' from Christina."

Coach Pacowski sighs once more, "Very well Loud, just head to my office after class." He then mutter under his breath, "Pfft, Puberty."

As the class bell rang, the girls and Lincoln reluctantly made their way into the office. Coach Patcowski was on the phone, his face etched with concentration as garbled words came through the receiver. "Uh-huh... I see... She's fine? Well, that's good news. Hey, listen, I gotta go. They just walked in." He hung up the phone and settled into his chair, intertwining his fingers on the desk as he gazed at the group standing before him.

Coach Patcowski's expression was stern as he addressed them. "I just got off the phone with Nurse Patti. She said your friend will be fine. Now, let's get back to the matter at hand. I want to hear what really happened. I'll decide whether to discontinue the free period or introduce a new barbed wire obstacle course. Guess who they'll blame for that."

The group cringed at the thought of being responsible for canceling the free period. They knew they wouldn't hear the end of it if the other kids found out. As Coach Patcowski waited, the girls exchanged worried glances, each realizing the gravity of the situation. They shifted uncomfortably, their eyes darting around the room.

Though no words were spoken, their expressions said it all. They felt a deep sense of regret and guilt. One by one, the girls conveyed their part in the incident through their remorseful looks and nervous fidgeting. Cookie, looking especially worried, stepped forward slightly, her eyes pleading.

Coach Patcowski noticed this and raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Cookie?" he prompted.

Cookie took a deep breath and spoke softly, "Please, Coach, don't blame Christina. Don't blame Lincoln or Girl Jordan either. It was our idea, and we should be the ones to take responsibility."

The other girls nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting the same determination to own up to their actions.

Girl Jordan placed her hands over her heart, moved by their willingness to take the fall. When it came time for Lincoln and Girl Jordan to speak, they tried to stick to their story that they were involved too, claiming it was playful flirting gone wrong. However, the rest of the girls quickly jumped in, denying their involvement and trying to take the blame instead.

Coach Patcowski's office soon erupted in a polite but chaotic argument, with everyone trying to defend their friends' innocence. Coach Patcowski closed his eyes, listening to the banter. Finally, he had heard enough. With a sudden, loud slam of his hands on the desk, he stood up. The kids flinched at the sound, their attention now fully on him.

"All right, all right, I get it," he said, his voice cutting through the noise. "You're not willing to rat on each other. But it's clear why this all started. Ladies, you may leave, except you, Loud."

Girl Jordan's demeanor shifted, her posture becoming rigid with defensiveness. "What? You can't just pin this all on Lincoln," she said, her voice sharp. "If anything, he was the least involved in all this. I refuse to let Lincoln take the fall." She glared at Coach Patcowski, signaling that she wouldn't back down without a fight.

The rest of the girls quickly stepped forward, forming a protective circle around Lincoln. Their faces mirrored Jordan's resolve, each one prepared to defend their friend against what they saw as an unjust accusation.

Coach Patcowski raised a hand to halt the rising tide of protest. "Take it easy, Miss Mouthy," he said, his tone a mix of authority and exasperation. "He's not in trouble. In fact, none of you are."

The girls exchanged puzzled glances, their heads tilting in collective confusion.

"I just need to talk to him to make sure this doesn't happen again," Coach Patcowski continued, his gaze softening slightly. "So, here's a little warning for the rest of you: If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I'll make sure both the principal and your parents are involved. Got it?"

The girls shook their heads and stormed off in a blur of motion, leaving Lincoln standing alone with Coach Patcowski. Lincoln shook his head as well, feeling the weight of the situation. Coach proceeded to lock his office door and turned to face Lincoln, who gulped, bracing himself for the lecture of a lifetime. Coach Patcowski's face was stern, his body tense as he looked at Lincoln intently.

Unexpectedly, Coach Patcowski dropped to his knees, his expression shifting from stern authority to desperate pleading. "How do you do it, Loud? How do you get all those girls to like you?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and envy.

Lincoln's face crinkled in bafflement at the sight before him. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. "Look, I know it's wrong for a grown man to ask a child for dating advice, especially in this predicament. I mean, look at me. I'm literally groveling at your feet."

Lincoln, still plastered, shook his head to regain his composure. "Coach, I have no idea what you're talking about. Those girls don't like me—not in a romantic way, at least. Girl Jordan said herself she has a thing for another guy. As for the rest of the girls, it took me a while to even become their friend. So, I doubt they see me like that."

Coach Patcowski stood up and placed his hands firmly on Lincoln's shoulders. His eyes were wide, filled with a frantic intensity that made Lincoln's heart race. "Now is not the time for modesty, Lincoln! You don't get it, do you? You think adults have all the answers about life? Wrong! We're just as lost and confused as the day we were born. If you don't tread carefully, you'll end up like me. Old... single... living with your mother on her rocky houseboat."

Lincoln paused for a moment, trying to decide what was more terrifying: an angry coach or a mortified one. The coach's life woes were spilling out, putting Lincoln in an awkward position. He averted his gaze, nervously patting his fingers together. "Uh, Coach, is it really a good idea to ask me for advice? Remember the Girl Guru fiasco? With the squirt flowers and the over-exaggerated lifestyle tips I gave you? It's no wonder your date with Mrs. Johnson bombed."

"Yes, I'm aware, but you must've learned something new. What did you do that made those girls flock to you? Please don't make me beg again."

Lincoln shook his head adamantly, waving his hands in front of him as if warding off a swarm of bees. "No, no, no, there's no need for begging. All right, I'll tell you. But promise me you won't hold a grudge if my advice backfires. Deal?"

"Deal," Coach Patcowski replied eagerly.

"Okay, first off, what I've learned from my sisters is that every girl is different. What's true about their interests varies from girl to girl. You need to know them individually, take your time to get to know them personally. Be honest and attentive to them. But most importantly, just be yourself."

Coach Patcowski's shoulders slumped even further, his expression as dry as a desert. "That's it? That's all you've got? I could have pulled that out of my ass!"

Lincoln shrugged, unsure how to respond to the coach's theatrics.

With a sudden flourish, Coach Patcowski dropped back to his knees, lifting his arms to the heavens. "Oh, why, God, why!? I'm going to end up dying alone!" He then proceeded to sob, covering his face with his hands.

Lincoln scratched the back of his head, his discomfort growing by the second. "Well... I think I should be heading off now," he said, indicating he was leaving by pointing at the door with his thumb.

Coach Patcowski sniffled and wiped away a tear. In a sad voice, he said, "Very well, Loud, you may go." He stood up, but winced in pain. "Ah, darn foot fungus acting up. Walking up those bleachers did a number."

"Hey, Coach, do you need help? Want me to escort you to the nurse?" Lincoln offered, trying to muster some sympathy.

Coach sighed, "Might as well, Loud. At least you could help with that, right?"

"Low blow, Coach Patcowski, low blow," Lincoln replied, feeling a bit offended

They headed to Nurse Patti's clinic, where Christina, Emma, and Nurse Patti herself were already present. Coach Patcowski leaned heavily on Lincoln for support, his steps slow and labored.

Nurse Patti looked up with concern as they entered. "Good heavens, Coach Patcowski, are you alright? Why don't you lie here and rest?" she said, her voice tinged with worry.

"Thanks, Nurse Patti," he replied, limping over to the bed. He lowered himself onto it with a sigh, muttering under his breath, "This is what I get for jumping in that mucky water at mini golf. To think I got the infection from there—just what I needed."

Nurse Patti responded with a hint of worry. "Oh, you play mini golf, Coach Patcowski? Yeah, you've got to be careful on that last course. If you don't align your shot just right, your ball will end up in the pond. There's a lot of bacteria in there, so it's best to steer clear."

Coach Patcowski lifted his head, surprise flickering across his face as he realized they shared a common interest. "You like mini golf, Nurse Patti?" he asked, his eyes darting to Lincoln. Lincoln, seizing the moment, gave Coach a thumbs up and a wink, signaling him to keep going.

"Why yes, Coach Patcowski. Some even call me the Royal Woods Mini Golf Queen," she replied with a playful grin.

He chuckled softly. "Heh, well, you're talking to the Royal Mini Golf King. Listen, how about we head out for a round tonight? Loser buys corn dogs and pop at the snack shack."

Nurse Patti said with amusement, "I'm in. See you tonight, Mini Golf King."

As the two chatted and laughed, getting along famously, Lincoln couldn't help but notice how genuinely happy Coach Patcowski looked. Although Nurse Patti hadn't been his first choice, he didn't seem the least bit disappointed.

Lincoln's thoughts drifted to the events of the day: Girl Jordan, Christina, and the rest of the girls, all vying for his attention. If the other girls truly liked him, maybe it was time he started to reciprocate those feelings. The image of Girl Jordan focusing on another guy is just too painful. He couldn't keep lingering for something that might never happen. It was time to move on and find someone who appreciated him for who he was, someone who saw the value in him just as he was learning to see it in himself.

Then Nurse Patti said something that caught his ear. "Coach Patcowski, I'm glad you brought it up. I was beginning to think I should have made the first move."

He sat up, his expression serious and a bit vulnerable. He scratched the back of his head, clearly feeling uneasy. "Nurse Patti, someone told me I need to be more honest with you." He glanced quickly at Lincoln, giving him a wink before turning back to Nurse Patti. "The truth is, you weren't my first choice among the women I was interested in. But you deserve to hear the truth, and I hope you don't think any less of me for it."

Nurse Patti smiled warmly. "Oh, Coach, of course not. In fact, I'm glad you told me. It only shows me your more than what I expected.

Seeing the coach's sincerity and openness made Lincoln realize something important about his own feelings. A soft smile crept across his face, reflecting a newfound clarity. He understood even in the face of potential heartache, it was far better than living a life of regrets. Lincoln was ready. Ready to confess his love for Girl Jordan.

Soon, Christina and Emma joined Lincoln, standing side by side as they all gazed at the adults. Christina leaned in, whispering to Lincoln, "I noticed Coach Patcowski wink at you. What was that about?"

"I'll explain in a bit," Lincoln replied. "For now, let's leave these two lovebirds alone."

The trio walked out of the office together, heading towards their respective locker rooms. As they strolled down the hall, Christina seemed deep in thought. Finally, she turned to Lincoln, her expression earnest. "Lincoln, about earlier—I wanted to apologize for my behavior. I have a habit of messing around a lot, but that doesn't excuse what I did."

They paused in front of the girls' locker room. Lincoln gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Christina. How about we start over and introduce ourselves properly? My name's Lincoln. Lincoln Loud."

Christina's face lit up with a smile. "Christina. Christina Bennett."

Lincoln then extended his hand for a handshake, while Christina leaned in for a hug. Their movements collided in an awkward dance of confused gestures. Lincoln pulled back slightly, unsure whether to commit to the handshake or follow Christina's lead for a hug. Christina mirrored his hesitation, stepping back with a laugh, and they both fumbled, alternating between extending hands and leaning in.

Their indecision turned into a playful display of awkwardness, each trying to gauge the other's next move. Then Lincoln rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I guess we just traded one awkward greeting for another."

Christina couldn't help but burst into laughter, and soon Lincoln and Emma joined in. Their laughter echoed down the hall, filling the space with a joyful noise. As the laughter subsided, Emma giggled and said, "Molly mentioned you were funny, Lincoln. I'm always hearing nice things about you. Right, Christina?"

"Oh, right," she replied, "We'll see ya later… 'Sausage Link.'" The girls continued to laugh as they entered the locker room.

Lincoln watched the door close behind them, their voices fading into the background as they began to gossip about him. His cheeks flushed a light shade of red as he muttered to himself, "Sausage Link? Oh boy."